Finnish death metal act REFUSAL will release their third album, “Venomous Human Concept”, on June 6th 2025 via Time To Kill Records.
Hailing from Helsinki, the band delivers a raw and unrelenting blend of death metal infused with grind and hardcore elements, striking a perfect balance between groove-driven intensity and razor-sharp precision. While their sound remains visceral and direct, REFUSAL carefully crafts dynamic songwriting that keeps their relentless assault engaging and impactful.
The album title track, “Venomous Human Concept”, is available now. Watch the video below.
The band commented:
“‘Venomous Human Concept’, the first song composed for the third album, also became the album’s title. The song combines the elements of the whole album in one song. As the eponymous song, it sets the tone for the lyrical theme of the album. It tells a story of rising up against the ruling class, and the ones who hold the wealth and power”.
Tracklist:
1. Scholar of Perversion 2. Venomous Human Concept 3. The Grip Tightens 4. Insatiable God 5. War of Nothing 6. Dehumanize 7. We Are the Undead 8. Sleeping Leviathan 9. Congregation of the Eyeless 10. Eternal Refrain
REFUSAL is a Finnish death metal band formed in Helsinki, Finland, in early 2008. Over its 17-year history, the band has evolved its sound, incorporating grindcore elements into its death metal foundation. In its early years, REFUSAL released seven demos, paving the way for their debut album. In 2016, the band unleashed “We Rot Within”, marking their first full-length record. Following its release, the band toured extensively across Finland and embarked on a brief European tour.
In 2019, REFUSAL released their second album, “Epitome of Void”, followed by an extensive European tour, during which they performed in nine countries.
Their latest release has been in development since the release of their second album. After enduring the pandemic years and undergoing line-up changes, REFUSAL is now set to return with their evolved sonic chaos on “Venomous Human Concept”.
For fans of: Napalm Death, Misery Index, Entombed, Rotten Sound
Line-up:
Juhani Paasipohja – Vocals Tero Pirhonen – Guitars Kalle Kuosmanen – Guitars Timo Pirhonen – Backing vocals and bass Aleksi Roitto – Drums
Since rising up from Athens’ underground in 1991, Nightfall have stood as pillars for Greek metal alongside current and former Season of Mist label mates Rotting Christ and Septicflesh.
Like their brothers-in-arms, captain Efthimis Karadimas and his Athenian rebels sculpt towering gothic melodies from fiery blackened death metal. Their monumental eleventh full-length is bolstered by a powerful message and the mightiest production in the band’s pantheon-level discography. The latest single from Children of Eve charges into the heat of battle with the same vengeance that fueled their rise, but “Seeking Revenge” is spearheaded by the biggest hell-raising chorus on an album full of crowd-pleasers.
“We wrote this song in retaliation for the vengeful teachings that the catechism practices on us”, Efthimis says. “It seeks revenge for the expelled ones, the traders of anathema, who have the outlandish desire to disobey Christian Svengali”.
Though they stand proudly among the unholy trinity of Greek metal, Nightfall have always separated themselves from the pack. They were the first band in the country’s history to sign an international record deal and perform at Wacken Open Air. “Well, here is one of the rare, original bands”, wrote Angry Metal Guy about one of their more astronomical concept albums.
Read the tracklist out loud and it’s clear that the message behind Children of Eve is aimed at overzealous devils. But even though the band have sharpened their attack, “Seeking Revenge” shows that Nightfall still have a flare for the dramatic. Operatic vocals climb like a fallen angel over Fotis Benardo’s coliseum-shaking drum fills and what sounds like a dark, alien strobe of light.
“I bought a Yamaha synthesizer secondhand in 2000”, says Efthimis. “What you hear at the beginning of this song is the same riff that I recorded on that synth 25 years ago”.
While their fearsome frontman does wield a cloak and dagger onstage, when “Seeking Revenge” hits the chorus, Nightfall go straight for the kill. Guitarist Kostas Kyriakopoulos down-picks chug like an army of horses. “I am the fire in your eyes“, Efthimis growls, stoked by the smoldering bass of Vasiliki Biza and synths that don’t shimmer but pierce across the sky.
Living under the Eastern Orthodox Church over the past three decades has only deepened Nightfall’s disdain for overzealous rulers. “Anger was the root”, Efthimis says when asked what birthed Children of Eve. But while their latest rebellion was spurred by the ongoing rise of so-called “holy wars” around the globe, the album’s message is personal. When the band retreated amongst the shadows during their 2010’s hiatus, Efthimis was diagnosed with depression. He now wears a black mask that covers half of his face to show what it’s like to live under the invisible veil of mental illness.
Cover Art by Eliran Kantor — Art Concept: Efthimis Karadimas
“Mental illness can lead to self-isolation”, says Efthimis, a stigma he’s now fighting through his new initiative Metal Music against Depression. “We can talk about this. We can sing about it. We can build a community that’s based on understanding”.
To amplify the message behind their new album, Nightfall boosted the production for Children of Eve. Once again, Efthimis and drummer Fotis Benardo took charge of the production with a guiding hand from InnerWish guitarist Thimios Krikos. But the album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, who’s helped Volbeat, Amaranthe and The Black Dahlia Murder crank their metallic fury to arena levels. With its beastly crescendo, “Seeking Revenge” will incite the blackened masses to raise their horns when Nightfall bless the world stage with Children of Eve.
“We’re excited to play this album live”, Efthimis says. “The songs sound massive. The choruses are huge. And there’s a clear message that comes through”.
The video for “Seeking Revenge” was created by Instagoodpromotions (@instagoodpromotion).
Tracklist 1. I Hate (6:05) [WATCH] 2. The Cannibal (3:36) [WATCH] 3. Lurking (4:08) 4. Inside My Head (4:51 5. Seeking Revenge (3:47) [LISTEN] 6. For The Expelled Ones (5:07) 7. The Traders Of Anathema (3:15) 8. With Outlandish Desire To Disobey (3:25) 9. The Makhaira Of The Deceiver (4:21) 10. Christian Svengali (4:43) Full runtime: 43:22
For more than three decades, Nightfall have stood alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh as the pioneering trinity of Greek metal. The legendary Athenian death metal band sound as vengeful as ever. But backed by monumental production and a powerful message, their eleventh studio album stands as their darkest and most epic creation yet. Children of Eve is here to unite blackened souls everywhere.
“I love how this album came out”, Nightfall’s founder Efthimis Karadimas says. “We’re excited to play these songs live. The sound is massive. The choruses are huge. And there’s a message that comes through. It’s an album about how we come through pain, how we live with pain, and how we die in pain”.
A Living Legacy of Greek Metal
Since their formation in 1991, Nightfall have remained a beacon for Greek metal. “Well, here is one of the rare, original bands”, wrote Angry Metal Guy. Like the scorching sun over their homeland, the Athenians rose from the underground alongside Rotting Christ and Septicflesh, though they were the first to sign an international record deal.
“Nightfall proves with “Children of Eve” that they’re fairly considered as one of the pioneers of the Hellenic Metal scene” says Rotting Christ frontman Sakis Tolis. “The fact that they create wonderful albums like this one make them legends that still have things to say! Congratulations for this new creation!”
Over the years, the crew around Efthimis has changed frequently. But while Nightfall did enjoy a short but successful stint with Metal Blade Records in the early 2010s, their strong bond with Holy Records during the ’90s established a deep connection between the Greek and French metal scenes. That legacy continues with the band’s current label Season of Mist.
“Nightfall deserve great credit for persistence and determination”, Blabbermouth wrote upon the eve of At Night We Prey. “For fans of face-ripping gloom, [their] sizeable catalogue remains eminently worthy of exploration”.
Monumental Production
Like their contemporaries, Nightfall weave gothic melodies into blackened death metal. Children of Eve features the most infectious collection of hooks that the band has ever created, though their disdain for the dominance of the Eastern Orthodox Church has only deepened over the years. The ongoing rise across the globe of so-called “holy wars” fueled their latest rebellion.
“Anger was the root”, Efthimis explains about the inspiration behind Children of Eve. The band’s veteran leader commands the stage with cloak and dagger, but the album’s lead single pulls no punches. “I am the son of night, notorious bastard”, he roars as an eerie choir echoes like the call of a siren. As if summoned from Olympus, former Septicflesh drummer Fotis Benardo unleashes his attack like a swarm of venomous arrows.
“Faith is a personal matter”, Efthimis continues, “but it can become a dirty business”.
To amplify their message, Nightfall enhanced the entire production of Children of Eve. Efthimis and Fotis took charge of the production with assistance from InnerWish guitarist Thimios Krikos. Meanwhile, Jacob Hansen – who worked with Volbeat, Amaranthe and The Black Dahlia Murder – handled the mixing and mastering. For the artwork, the band turned to Eliran Kantor, who’s renowned paintings have graced the covers of albums by Testament, Kreator and Helloween.
A Powerful Message
Look at the tracklist and it’s evident that “I Hate” takes aim at the consistent influence of organized religion. “The Traders of Anathema” raises its axe in honor of Judas Iscariot, featuring two blistering guitar solos from Kostas Kyriakopoulos. However, Children of Eve wouldn’t bear the mark of Nightfall without a deeper message.
“Death’s Spiritual Healing deeply influenced me”, Efthimis says. “At the time, its social message was so advanced for the genre”. While “The Cannibal” bursts with divine tremolo picking, its lyrics explore how religious structures and fanaticism can devour you. “I hold the power / to explain your screams“, Efthimis howls with chilling intensity.
During Nightfall’s most recent hiatus, Efthimis was diagnosed with depression. Now, he wears a black mask to cover half of his face, symbolizing what it’s like to live under the invisible veil of mental illness. “When you have demons in your mind, you’re not always an ideal companion”, he admits. “That stigma can lead to isolation”.
Now, Nightfall are encouraging fellow metalheads to speak up. The band have launched a new initiative called Metal Music Against Depression (MMaD), which is supported by European Alliance Against Depression in Germany. “We can talk about this. We can sing about it. We can build a community that’s based on understanding”, Efthimis says.
With Children of Eve, Nightfall return from the shadows to unite blackened souls everywhere with their darkest and most epic creation yet.
Recording Credits: Recorded at Devasoundz Studios, Athens, Greece Produced by Efthimis Karadimas with Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Engineered by Fotis Benardo & Thimios Krikos Mixed & Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark
Production Credits: Produced by Efthimis Karadimas & Engineered by Fotis Benardo Mixed & Mastered in Hansen Studios, Denmark by Jacob Hansen
Valkenrag was formed in 2006 as a side project, but became an active live band in 2013. Their music blends melodic death metal with elements of black metal, while the lyrical themes draw heavily from pagan traditions – especially Slavic and Norse mythology.
The band released two full-length albums: “Twilight of Blood and Flesh” (2015) and “Chasing the Gods” (2018), as well as the demo “Nord Wind” and the self-titled EP “Valkenrag“. In 2025, they released a new EP titled “Fury Untamed“, and are currently working on their next full-length record.
“Fury Untamed” is the latest EP by Valkenrag, delivering a raw and relentless strike straight into the heart of chaos, fury, and the fight for identity. Across five tracks, the band explores a range of moods and themes – from mythological reflections to personal reckonings with loss, vengeance, and resistance.
Track by track by band leader, Lorghat: “The title track “Fury Untamed” draws symbolic inspiration from the Norse myth of Fenrir breaking free from his chains – a metaphor for an unstoppable force rising beyond control. Though not named explicitly, the spirit of Fenrir and Tyr looms large over the song. “Retribution” channels rage and sorrow into a tale of revenge. “Unreachable Horizon” contemplates the endless pursuit of meaning and purpose – the horizon that always seems just out of reach. “Descendant of Chaos” brings a darker, more haunting tone, evoking the presence of an unseen predator lurking in the night. The EP closes with “Bleed to Be” – a battle cry for heritage, bloodline, and defiance against imposed beliefs.“
Lyrically, the EP weaves together Norse mythology, personal experience, and cultural commentary. Musically, it remains firmly rooted in heavy, aggressive metal – blending elements of death, black, and epic melodic metal, drawing inspiration from the likes of Amon Amarth, Bathory, and Behemoth.
The cover artwork depicts Fenrir at the moment of breaking free – a visual reflection of the unleashed fury that defines this release.
TRACKLIST:
1. Fury Untamed 2. Retribution 3. Unreachable Horizon 4. Descendant of Chaos 5. Bleed to Be
EP “Fury Untamed” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Mariusz Konieczny at Heavy Gear Studio (Hellspawn, Odium Humani Generis, Warfist). Cover artwork was done by Katarzyna Jakubska, whereas booklet design by Aleksandra Krucza. Band photo session by Maria Niemczycka.
EP will be released April 25, 2025 with cooperation of Polish label Art of the Night Productions (pre-order).
Watch the video “Descendant of Chaos“:
For promotional purposes of upcoming record, Valkenrag is going to play some live shows in Poland. The tour dates are as follows:
Australian Prog Metal Masters TERAMAZE have released a brand new visualiser for the final single and title track of new album “The Harmony Machine”, out today, on April 18th.
The Harmony Machine is the ultimate culmination of everything we set out to achieve on this album. It’s our most adventurous progressive track on the album, pushing the boundaries of our sound while showcasing the strength and evolution of our songwriting. Nathan and Dean deliver a powerful dual vocal performance that brings the entire journey to an unforgettable close.”
Mixed / Produced By Dean Wells (Melbourne, Australia), out Through Wells Music.
Leading modern folk metal force FEUERSCHWANZ surprise with an epic metal cover of PSY’s massive 2012 party hit “Gangnam Style” – the next single from FEUERSCHWANZ’s upcoming 12th studio album, Knightclub, out on July 25, 2025 via Napalm Records! The song comes with an epic music video telling the “Gangnam Style” story in FEUERSCHWANZ fashion. Even after more than 20 years since formation and two recent #1 albums (Official German Album Charts), FEUERSCHWANZ is still on the rise: the band has been featured across mass media channels following their participation in the German Eurovision Song Contest 2025 preliminary round.
FEUERSCHWANZ’s previous headline tours were almost completely sold out, and the band has performed prime slots at the biggest festivals while gaining millions of streams and video views on their songs. At the end of 2024, the band experienced yet another standout moment when they celebrated their 20th anniversary at the largest Metfest ever, performing in front of over 7,000 enthusiastic fans.
FEUERSCHWANZ comments: “Off to the Knightclub – Gangnam Style! Yes, we actually took dance lessons for the only real cover song on the new album. The K-pop hit from 2012 – a dance between the worlds, now with violin, bagpipes and a good dose of metal. A game of contrasts, a cover version like a ritual. Nobody asked for it – but we did it anyway.”
With Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ continue on the momentous path they’ve forged with their most recent albums. The band, which has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, is now releasing its first-ever studio album with an English title and various lyrics in German and English. Knightclub embodies catchy hits, party-ready vibes, anthemic tracks and hard metal riffs. True to form, the band infuses their signature humor into songs bursting with high energy.
The title track, “Knightclub”, is an anthem that has already energized millions during its appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest preliminary round, and is sure to turn every metal event into a massive party. On the album version, the band is supported on vocals by Dag-Alexis Kopplin of SDP. Songs like “Valhalla” and “Avalon”, on the other hand, are epic anthems and showcase the band’s more serious side. “Valhalla” also features legendary guest appearances by Doro Pesch and Miracle of Sound. “The Tale of Sam the Brave” transports listeners to Middle-Earth, while “Name der Rose” celebrates another literary classic. The previously released “Lords Of Fyre” feat. Lord of the Lost is a harbinger of the bands’ upcoming co-headline tour, and their cover of “Gangnam Style” adds yet another unmissable party hit to the mix.
Knightclub was produced by Simon Michael (Subway To Sally) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Arch Enemy, Volbeat, Evergrey). The cover artwork was created by Peter Sallai (Powerwolf, Sabaton, Saxon, Hammerfall).
With Knightclub, FEUERSCHWANZ cement their status as the hottest band in Germany, proving that they have truly arrived at the top with a blend of great anthems, catchy party hits and metallic sounds, all wrapped up with a pinch of FEUERSCHWANZ’s signature humor.
Knightclub tracklisting: 1. Knightclub (feat. Dag/SDP) 2. Tanz der Teufel 3. Avalon 4. Drunken Dragon 5. Eisenfaust 6. Name der Rose 7. Valhalla (feat. Doro Pesch & Miracle of Sound) 8. The Tale of Sam The Brave 9. Testament 10. Lords of Fyre (feat. Lord Of The Lost) 11. Gangnam Style
FEUERSCHWANZ live 2025:
LORDS OF FYRE Tour 2025 FEUERSCHWANZ & LORD OF THE LOST w/ The Dark Side Of The Moon 02.10.25 DE – Berlin / Columbiahalle 03.10.25 DE – Leipzig / Haus Auensee 04.10.25 DE – Offenbach / Stadthalle 10.10.25 DE – Hanover / Swiss Life Hall 11.10.25 DE – Fürth / Stadthalle 17.10.25 DE – Munich / Zenith 18.10.25 DE – Düsseldorf / Mitsubishi Halle
Festivals 2025: 30.05.25 DE – Rastede / MPS Rastede 31.05.25 AT – Kufstein / Kufstein Music Festival 13.06.25 DE – Geldern / Tolkien Tage 14.06.25 DE – Burg Abenberg / Feuertanz Festival 15.06.25 NL – Leuwarden / Into The Grave 18.07.25 FR – Selestat / Les Tanzmatten 19.07.25 DE – Loiching / Open Air Weigendorf 24.07.25 DE – Bremen / Seebühne 25.07.25 DE – Creuzburg / Burg Creuzburg 26.07.25 DE – Bückeburg / MPS Bückeburg 08.08.25 ES – Vilenna / Leyendas Del Rock 10.08.25 UK – Derbyshire / Bloodstock 16.08.25 CH – Cudrefin / Rock The Lakes 23.08.25 DE – Schleswig / Baltic Open Air 04.09.25 DE – Loreley / 30 Jahre In Extremo 06.09.25 DE – Luhmühlen / MPS Luhmühlen
FEUERSCHWANZ are: Johanna – violin, hurdy-gurdy Hauptmann – vocals, guitar Ben – flutes, bagpipes, guitars, vocals Hans – guitar Jarne – bass Rollo – drums Yennefer – dance & performance Hela – dance & performance
“Water & Time” is the newest single from progressive death metal alchemists RIVERS OF NIHIL. The track comes off of the band’s eponymous fifth full-length, set for release on May 30th via Metal Blade Records.
Comments founding guitarist Brody Uttley. “‘Water & Time’ is a song that we put together before most of the rest of this album. The working title on it was ‘TFF’ meaning ‘Tears For Fears’ because in a lot of ways I feel like it’s our stab at writing a big chorus style synth laden song much like those kinds of bands. Initially it was a song that I wrote out totally on a synthesizer, just as an experiment really, not thinking it would be a RIVERS song. However, when I heard the main melody back, I knew we were on to something cool, so we filled out the song with ‘metal band stuff’ to get what you hear in the final version.”
Watch RIVERS OF NIHIL‘s previously released video for “House Of Light” HERE and “American Death” video HERE.
Rivers Of Nihil was created in a very “rock n’ roll” manner. “On 2021’s The Work, I wrote a lot of the record on the piano and then the band filled in the gaps,” explains Uttley. “On this new record, I wanted to make sure that this stuff would hit hard live with just the four of us before adding in all of the sparkly auxiliary ‘frosting’ on top.“
Rivers Of Nihil also showcases additional musicians, including Patrick Corona on alto saxophone, Stephan Lopez on banjo, McFarland on cello, and a slate of other guest vocalists. Despite the fresh approach on Rivers Of Nihil however, the album still fits neatly into the band’s discography. With Where Owls Know My Name (2018), RIVERS OF NIHIL transcended all labels applied to them, and with its 2021 follow-up, The Work, they forged further into new territory with Metal Injection calling the latter album “the group’s most cohesive, ambitious, meditative, and varied effort, with greater uses of philosophical significance and transcendental respites.”
In an early preview of the record, Revolver wrote, “…their forthcoming self-titled album… specializes in metronome-exploding kick work, riffs brawnier than a full-grown Kodiak, and a vocal tandem of soaring highs (guitarist Andy Thomas) and demonic lows (bassist Adam Biggs).” Of the band’s “American Death” single, Metal Injection hailed a track that’s “very straightforward; very mosh-worthy,” while MetalSucks lauded, “an absolute ass-beater that you may or may not be totally ready for. Right from the rip, it’s heavy and mean. Punishing rhythms, high octane guitar, and impeccable vocals really drive the whole thing together.”
RIVERS OF NIHIL recently wrapped up their Aggressive Progressive EU/UK headlining tour with support from Cynic, Beyond Creation, and labelmates, Dååth. In May, the band will return to North American stages for another month-long headliner with support provided by Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, and Glacial Tomb. Tickets and VIP packages are available now at: ron.soundrink.com. See all confirmed dates below.
RIVERS OF NIHIL w/ Holy Fawn, Inter Arma, Glacial Tomb: 5/22/2025 Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA 5/23/2025 The Palladium (Upstairs) – Worcester, MA 5/24/2025 Rec Room – Buffalo, NY 5/25/2025 The King Of Clubs – Columbus, OH 5/27/2025 Pike Room @ Crofoot – Pontiac, MI 5/28/2025 Reggies – Chicago, IL 5/29/2025 The Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN 5/30/2025 Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE 5/31/2025 Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO 6/01/2025 Metro Music Hall – Salt Lake City, UT 6/03/2025 Rickshaw Theatre – Vancouver, BC 6/04/2025 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 6/05/2025 Dante’s – Portland, OR 6/06/2025 Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA 6/07/2025 Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA 6/08/2025 Brick By Brick – San Diego, CA 6/10/2025 Nile – Mesa, AZ 6/11/2025 Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM 6/12/2025 Jake’s – Lubbock, TX 6/13/2025 The Rail – Ft. Worth, TX 6/14/2025 Come And Take It Live – Austin, TX 6/15/2025 Scout Bar – Houston, TX 6/17/2025 Basement East – Nashville, TN 6/18/2025 Eulogy – Asheville, NC 6/19/2025 The Canal Club – Richmond, VA 6/20/2025 The Meadows – Brooklyn, NY 6/21/2025 Fairmount Theatre – Montreal, QC 6/22/2025 Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
Sixteen years and five albums into the Pennsylvania band’s career, RIVERS OF NIHIL is upping the ante with Rivers Of Nihil. Traditionally, a self-titled record can signal a return to basics and/or a fresh beginning, and in ten powerful songs, it’s clear that both those factors are in play. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band’s new lead vocalist/bassist in 2023; the same year marked the appearance of additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate), whose vocals also play prominently on Rivers Of Nihil. Producers Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland at Atrium Audio captured the new dynamics across more than fifty minutes of music.
On June 15th, 2023, the band released the single, “The Sub-Orbital Blues,” the first track with Biggs handling lead vocals following the 2022 departure of singer Jake Dieffenbach. It was also the first track to feature Thomas. A second single, “Hellbirds,” dropped on October 19th of that year. On April 29th, 2024, the band released the cut “Criminals” and an accompanying music video. Both “Criminals” and “The Sub-Orbital Blues” appear on Rivers Of Nihil.
RIVERS OF NIHIL: Adam Biggs – bass guitar, vocals Andy Thomas – guitar, vocals Brody Uttley – guitar, piano, keys, programming Jared Klein – drums, vocals
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
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